The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-03-03
STANTON. VIRGINIA. MARCH 8, 1887
A Blow at the Mormons

The anti Mormon bill has passed both
houses of Congress. and only needs the
signature of the President to become a law.
We believe the bill to be unconstitutional
and that it will be so pronounced when
taken to the Courts, as it will be, Con-
gress has no power to cOnfiscate private
property as this bill provides. 1t is no
Justification for it that it aims to break up
pojygamy, and in doing so. strikes at pri-
vate rights which do not involve the ques-
ton Of plural marriages. 1t is safe for the
awmaking powers to be slways on the
side of law. and not to set the precedent of
legislatiDg in violation Of the constitution.
The first six sections of the bill apply to pro-
secutious for bgaTny and adultery, and make
the wife or husband a competent witnes but
not ( o be compelled to testify. The ninth and
tenth sections apply to the marriage ceremony.
They REQUIRE a certificate properly autbenti-
Gated, to be recorded in the Office of the Pro
bate Court. The eleventh section annuls all
Territorial laws recognizing the capacity of
Legitimate children to inherit or as entitled to
any distIibutiye share in the estate of the faith
er. The twelfth section annuiS all Territorial
laws comforting Jurisdiction upon Probate
Courts. Tre thirteenth section makes it the
duty of the Attorney General of the United
States to institute proceedings to escheat to
the United States the property of corporations
obtained or held in violation of section 3, of the
act of July, 1862, the proceeds of such escheat
to be applied to the use ana benefit OF common
schools in the Territory.
The fifteenth section annuls all laws of the
legislative Assembly creating OF constituting
the Perpetual EmigratIng Fund Company anu
dissoives that corporation. The sixteenth sec
ton directs proceedings for the disposition of
the property and assets of the company, All
such property. in excess of debts and lawful
claims, is to escheat 10 the United States for
the benefit of common schools in the Territory.
The seventeenth section annuls the acts of the
Legislative Assembly, Incorporating or prCvid-
ing for the Church of Jesus Christ Or Latter Dav
Saints, and dissolves that corporation. 1t
makes 1t the duty of the Attorney General of
the United States to institute legal proceelln g
to wind up the affairs of the corporation. The
eighteenth section makes provisions as to the
endowment of widows, who are to have one-
third of the income Of the estate as their dover.
Section 70 makes it unlawful for any woman
to vote in any election, and annulS acts of the
Legislative Assembly which permit female suf-
frage. The four next sections make provisions
as to elections, and require of voters an oath or
obey the laws, especially the ant1-polygamy
act OF March %, 1882 and this act. Section %
abolishes the office of Territorial Superintend-
emit of District Schools and makes II the duty
OF the Supreme Court of the Territory to ap-
pointa Commissioner of Schools. Sectien 26
gives to all religious societies. sects and con-
gregatons the right to hold. through trustees
appointed by Probate Court, real property for
houses of worship and parsonages.
The twenty seventh section annulS all Ierrl-
torial laws for the organization of the militia
or for the creation Of the Nauvoo Legion, ana
gives the Legislative Assembly of Utah power
to pass laws for organizing the militia, SUBJECT
to the approval of Congress. General officers
ornor of the Territory, with the advice and con-
sent of the council.